The Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter combines accurate measurement of air density and wind with a powerful ballistics calculator to deliver precise
elevation and windage solutions for any gun, any round, any shot.

Overview

The next generation of ballistics weather meter is here with the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics.

The Kestrel Sportsman is a tremendous value in full-featured ballistics calculators. Providing the
same trusted accuracy, reliability, and usability as the original Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter,
this integrated weather meter and ballistics solver takes the guesswork out of long-range shooting
and is an ideal companion for hunters and shooters working within the supersonic flight range of their bullet.

The new Kestrel 5 Series platform adds many new features and options. If you're familiar with the
Kestrel 4500, the first thing you'll notice is the larger, higher-resolution and contrast display
and improved font readability. The Kestrel 5 series also includes a built-in dual color backlight,
extra-strong polycarbonate lens and AA battery operation and offers optional LiNK iOS and Android
wireless connectivity and app support. Like all Kestrel meters, the Kestrel Sportsman is
drop-proof, dust-proof, waterproof and able to withstand harsh environments without damage –
so it can accompany you to the range or hunt for years to come. A range of carry pouch options
makes it even easier to take your Kestrel Sportsman with you.

Buy the Kestrel Sportsman with LiNK and get the power of the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app for free.
Build and manage your gun/bullet profiles and download them to your Kestrel Sportsman before you
set out. At the range or match, secure your Kestrel Sportsman to a tripod using the optional Kestrel
Vane Mount and use the app to quickly adjust the target range and view the shooting solution and
wind rose without leaving your shooting position. It's like having a meteorologist and ballistician
standing next to you while you shoot.

LiNK enabled units can also be wirelessly paired with LiNK compatible laser range finders, such as
the Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX, to seamlessly integrate target data into the ballistic solution
for unparalleled speed and accuracy.

In addition to the ballistics solver capabilities, the Kestrel Sportsman is a comprehensive
weather meter for measurement and logging of primary environmental conditions: wind speed and
direction, temperature, humidity, heat index, pressure and altitude. Paired with the Vane
Mount, the Kestrel Elite becomes a compact, easily-deployable weather station. Your data
log can be transferred to a mobile device wirelessly with the LiNK wireless communication
option and Kestrel LiNK app, or to a PC with either the wireless USB Kestrel LiNK Dongle or
waterproof USB Data Transfer Cable (available separately).

Kestrels have been put to the test in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. U.S.
Special Forces, combat weather teams, wildland firefighters, smoke jumpers, Mt. Everest
expeditions and auto pit crews are just a few who rely on a Kestrel to provide them with
the crucial environmental data they need. Watch any on-screen meteorologist during a
hurricane, and you're sure to spot a Kestrel in action. With a Kestrel Sportsman, you
can put accurate shooting solutions and environmental measurements in the palm of your
hand, anywhere your adventure takes you.

USB Data Transfer Cable

Sleek, rugged tripod vane mount

Small, secure, robust vane mount turns any Kestrel 5 Series meter into a portable weather
station that remains oriented into the wind.
(Included in some models where noted, otherwise sold as optional accessory.)

Large, high contrast screen

Easily readable text in almost any setting, including bright sunlight, with more visible
information on the screen at all times. This high-resolution display is easy on the eyes,
allowing you to get more information from customizable user screens, charting and graphing
options without causing eye strain or fatigue.

What application do I need to upload gun profiles to my Kestrel?

Any of the LiNK Ballistics applications will allow you to transfer gun profiles to your Kestrel.
LiNK Ballistics for iOS or LiNK Ballistics for Android will allow you to use a mobile device to transfer
gun profiles but you need to have the LiNK (i.e., Bluetooth) model. If you are using a Windows computer, you
can use the Applied Ballistic Profile Loader (Version 42 or higher) to manage your gun profiles.NOTE: Please be aware that currently the Applied Ballistics Profile Loader
cannot be used with Bluetooth. Therefore, you will need to purchase the USB Transfer cable to transfer files
with a Windows PC.

How can I transfer profiles with a Mac?

Unfortunately we do not have a ballistics application that runs on a Mac. You will need to find
an Android, iOS or Windows device to use. Kestrel LiNK for Mac will only allow you to upload the weather
data or update or upgrade your firmware.

What application do I need to view my ballistic solutions remotely?

Both LiNK Ballistics for Android and LiNK Ballistics for iOS will display your ballistic solutions remotely.
Both Kestrel Companion and Kestrel Companion Pro will show your ballistic solutions remotely as well but
are only compatible with the Kestrel 4500 Applied Ballistic or 4500 Sportsman units.

How can I transfer data to my unit if I do not have the LiNK (i.e., Bluetooth) model?

All models of the Kestrel 5000 Series have optical data ports that can be seen through the openings of the
battery door. A USB Data Transfer Cable can be purchased separately, which plugs directly into the back of
the Kestrel and extends to a USB port in your computer. You will NOT be able to connect a non-LiNK model
unit to a mobile device (e.g., any device without a USB port).

How can I transfer my gun profiles from my 4500 to my Kestrel 5 Series?

What is LiNK for Windows/iOS/Android?

We have separate LiNK applications without "Ballistics" in the title. These programs handle uploading
the weather data from the Kestrel to a specific device. This weather data can then be exported into
MS Excel. You can also update your firmware or upgrade your unit by using this program.NOTE: Please be aware that we are working on allowing you to
update / upgrade your firmware with the LiNK Ballistics program above. Until that is available, you will
need to use the basic LiNK program.

What application do I need to update or upgrade my Kestrel firmware?

As previously noted, until we update the LiNK Ballistics applications to include firmware updates, you
will need to install one of the non-ballistic LiNK programs, Kestrel LiNK for iOS or Kestrel LiNK for Android.

What application can I use to upgrade my Kestrel Firmware?

Currently the mobile devices cannot perform firmware upgrades. An upgrade is defined as going from a
5000 Series Kestrel Sportsman to a Kestrel Elite with Applied Ballistics. To upgrade your 5000 Series
Kestrel Sportsman, you will need to connect to a Windows machine.

Which laser range finders work with my Kestrel 5 series?

Currently only the Bushnell CONX laser rangefinder is compatible with the Kestrel Elite and Kestrel
Sportsman units. However, we will be adding more Laser Range finder compatibility moving forward.
If you would like to request your laser range finder be integrated with the Kestrel 5000 series,
please contact the manufacturer of the laser range finder to let them know.

How do I open the battery door?

As can be seen in the pictures below, place your thumb on the bottom of the unit and slide the latch
from the "Locked" to the "Unlocked" position. The battery door should pop up enough that you can
remove it. If you have trouble opening the battery door, some slight pressure DOWN on the battery
door itself with your other thumb may help release the latch.

How do I close the battery door?

First slide in the tab at towards the top of the unit, then gently press the bottom part of the
battery door down until it snaps into place. Ensure that the O-ring remains in place on the battery
door when closing.

Do I need to use a battery shim with the Kestrel 5 Series units?

No. Since the Kestrel 5 Series utilize only one AA battery, there is no need to use the battery
shim to separate the two AAA batteries in the previous version.

What types of battery should I use with my Kestrel 5 Series unit?

NK strongly recommends continual use of Lithium AA batteries in your Kestrel. Lithium batteries
respond best in extreme temperatures and help prevent against any corrosion. Customers can also
use Alkaline or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) if they prefer, but we recommend turning "Auto Store"
to "OFF" when placing these units in storage to minimize the drain on the battery. Also, please
make sure you set the System->Battery setting to match the type of batteries that you are using.

What's new in the Kestrel 5000 series?

Can I upgrade to the Kestrel Elite if I bought the Kestrel Sportsman?

Yes. You can purchase an upgrade from the website and a file will be emailed to you that will allow you to
remotely upgrade your unit. The upgrade needs to be done on a Windows machine, however, so customers can
choose between a Bluetooth dongle and USB cable depending on preferred connection method.

Can I upgrade my non-Ballistics 5000 Series model to a Ballistics model?

No. Currently ONLY the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics can be upgraded to our Elite model.

Can I trade in my Kestrel 4500 (or different model) to get a new Kestrel 5 Series unit?

Yes. You can always trade-in an older Kestrel, regardless of its condition, by using our Customer Trade-In Program.

Can I get the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK without the Vane Mount?

We intentionally packaged the vane mount with the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics
with LiNK because we feel strongly that this is the best solution for long range shooters.

Why isn't there a Night Vision option for the Kestrel 5 Series?

All of the Kestrel 5000 series units have the Night Vision option in addition to the standard
white backlight. There is a menu selection that allows the customer to toggle between both options.

How many data point do these units store?

The Kestrel 5 Series Ballistic models can store over 12,000 data sets.

How often do I need to calibrate the Kestrel 5 Series?

Wind Speed – NK sells factory calibrated replacement impellers
that can easily be installed by the customer. NK recommends replacing the impeller every 2-3 years
depending on usage.
Humidity – NK uses a different humidity sensor on the 5
series models. The Kestrel 5 Series employ a highly accurate, calibrated, digital humidity sensor.
Based on the sensor manufacturer's specifications and NK testing, drift on this sensor over time is
minimal and field recalibration is likely to degrade accuracy rather than improve it. Factory
calibration to validate and certify accuracy at a minimum of two RH points is available from NK.
In the event NK observes a significant number of tested sensors exhibiting drift greater than +/-1%RH/year,
NK will develop a recalibration routine which can be installed via firmware update. During the
five-year warranty period, NK will repair, recalibrate or replace any Kestrel 5 Series or DROP which
drifts more than +/-1% RH/year since the date of manufacture.
Temperature – The thermistor in the Kestrel 5 series should
not need to be recalibrated.
Pressure – The pressure in the Kestrel 5 series should not
need to be recalibrated.

If you are holding down the laser button on the rangefinder, the rangefinder will ignore any commands
from the Kestrel. You will need to release the button on the rangefinder in order for the two devices to communicate.

How do I pair my Kestrel with my computer?

Kestrel 5 series units with LiNK will need to use an NK-supplied Bluetooth® Dongle to connect with
a computer. The Kestrel 5 series will not work with any internal Bluetooth® modules. To connect,
insert the Bluetooth® Dongle into an open USB port. On the Kestrel, go to the Main Menu->Bluetooth®
and turn it ON. Set Conct to "PC / Mobile." Open the application on the computer and select the Kestrel
as the device to connect to. There is no more "pairing," "COM port numbers," or "PIN Codes" to worry about
for those familiar with the 4000 series.

How do I pair my Kestrel with a phone?

Make sure Bluetooth is turned ON on your phone. On the Kestrel, go to the Main Menu->Bluetooth and turn
it ON. Make sure Conct is set to PC/Mobile. Next go to the application that you are connecting with
on your phone and select the Kestrel as the device you would like to connect with.PLEASE NOTE: if you do not find the Kestrel on your phone's "standard"
Bluetooth connection screen, that does not mean that the Kestrel is not working properly. Please first go
to the application and try to connect through the application. The Kestrel should connect.

The Applied Ballistics Profile Loader has been created by our partners at Applied Ballistics to easily create, transfer, and store bullet/gun profiles. Profiles can be created on a PC through the application or directly on the Kestrel and transferred via the software.
Applied Ballistics Profile Loader - Version 50

Kestrel LiNK for OSX (Mac)

Transfer data from your Kestrel 5 Series device and archive on your Mac computer. Data logs can be exported as csv files for viewing and analysis in spreadsheets. This software also facilitates updates and upgrades to your device firmware.